A Guide to Social-Distanced Travel in Morocco
By Laura Robinson
The thought of Morocco travel likely sparks images of bustling medinas, lively souks, and shared tagines. While these are beloved images of Moroccan exploration in a pre-Covid time, there is a lesser-known world of outdoor sights and distanced activities to be experienced when the time is right to explore again.
Much is uncertain in the when-and-where of travel’s future, and while we may be daydreaming of these destinations from afar for the time being, this collection of distance-friendly excursions is definitely one to keep in your back pocket. Take a look below for a North-to-South guide to the diverse landscapes and off-the-beaten path experiences that will take your future itinerary well beyond the tourist routes.
Just south of Tangier in the North of Morocco sits the peaceful artists hub of Asilah. The town is known for its pristine white walls-turned-canvas for countless murals and street art pieces that emblazon the city each year. The town first became a haven for the arts in 1978 when artists were invited to revamp and revive the city’s peeling walls with their designs. This “spruce-up” visit was a hit and became an annual summer festival, where visual and performance artists grace the town with their work. These murals stay up year-round in Asilah, offering something new around every corner for the perfect al fresco walking tour.
While you’re in Northern Morocco, you won’t want to miss out on the wonder of the Akchour waterfalls. Sprawling waterfalls, lush mossy trails, and even a naturally formed rocky bridge known as “le Pont de Dieu” or “The Bridge of God” make this stop feel like something out of a fairytale. With several trail options and two waterfalls, each at different altitudes, you can count on your trip to lead to views of crystalline aqua pools and cascading falls no matter your hiking level.
Chefchaouen: Paint the Town Blue
Nestled in the Rif mountains is the village of Chefchaouen, known by many as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. While many Moroccan cities are brimming with fast-paced energy, Chefchaouen offers a sense of calm, relaxation, and easygoing charm unlike any other. The town repaints often to maintain its signature blue hue on all streets, staircases, walls, homes, and businesses. And yes, we really do mean all. You’ll be hard pressed to find even one square foot of this village that isn’t adorned with a striking coat of powder blue. At certain times of the year, visitors can even spend an afternoon painting a wall or two themselves to really leave their mark on the city.
Archaeological Ruins in Volubilis
Tap into your inner Indiana Jones with a visit to the Volubilis Ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans over one hundred acres and offers a clear window into the urban developments of the Roman empire. Given the relative isolation of Volubilis, and the lack of inhabitants for over a thousand years, the site is incredibly well preserved and authentic. With its ornate mosaics and novel architecture still strikingly well maintained, a walk through these ruins is a snapshot in time of history, art, and innovation.
Thermal Hot Springs in Moulay Yacoub
Just outside of Fes are the natural thermal hot springs of Moulay Yacoub. For centuries, a soak in these thermal baths has been a remedy for muscle ailments, soreness, fatigue, and of course, a tried and true way to destress. Visitors to the thermal baths can opt for a more medicinal approach to the sulfur-rich waters, or take the spa route with luxury treatments. While these long-revered waters have drawn in locals and tourists alike for hundreds of years, the baths underwent a recent renovation in 2018 and now offer updated amenities alongside the traditional wellness experience.
The town of Bahlil in the Mid-Atlas region of Morocco is home to cave dwellings that date back to the fourth century. These homes were built into the sides of mountains and made for temperate salon-style rooms and homes, some of which continue to be used today. These homes stay cool in peak heat and maintain warmth throughout the winter, making them as practical as they are charming. The cave dwellings are built right alongside above-ground homes, so make sure to explore alongside a local guide to find the right spot for an inside-look at these beautifully preserved homes.
Often called “The Switzerland of Morocco”, Ifrane is a wonderland akin to a snow globe in the winter months and offers some of Morocco’s most mild and temperate weather in the summertime. This go-to destination for any time of year is where you’ll find picturesque cedar forests that span almost two hundred miles. Ifrane National Park is a nature-buff’s dream come true with countless hiking spots and over one thousand species of vegetation. Ifrane is also one of the few destinations where you’ll find Barbary Macaques Monkeys, an endangered monkey species who call this National Park home. They’re very used to human visitors, so you just might catch a glimpse of them up close on a stroll through the cedars.
The city of Marrakech is known for its high-energy markets and squares where tourists and locals congregate. This experience might need to remain on hold for a while longer, but fear not because an equally captivating and more distance-friendly serene outing awaits just outside of the Red City. Follow the mountainous landscape south from Marrakech to find yourself among placid hiking trails and jaw-dropping panoramic views. Trust us, a glass of Moroccan mint tea tastes best when paired with a view of Mt. Toubkal.
There is arguably no place that lends itself more to enjoyable social distancing than the top of a dune in the Sahara Desert. A night spent sandboarding and stargazing in the desert is a must-do when in Morocco, and luckily this will be no exception for the next era of travel. Merzouga’s hot sands are also said to have healing properties to soothe skin conditions, expel toxins, treat arthritis, and more. For generations, people have traveled to Merzouga’s golden dunes from across Morocco and around the world to experience a sand bath. In this time-honored ritual, laying partially buried in the Saharan sand for up to ten minutes activates these acclaimed wellness benefits. If you're looking for a more immersive and healing take on a sauna, look no further than the Merzouga desert.
Known to have some of the region’s best beaches, Imsouane is a refreshing coastal spot in Southern Morocco. Unlike the sensory overload of other destinations, in just a few minutes stroll around Imsouane, you’ll feel like you know the place by heart. Spend a day surfing or taking a dip in one of the town’s two main beach spots, La Bay or Le Cathedrale. You can’t go wrong with either, and luckily, they’re just a few minutes’ walk apart, so you can follow the day’s best waves with ease. While Imsouane is a bit trickier to get to than Morocco’s larger seaside destinations, it boasts unmatched laid-back charm, some of the country’s freshest fish, and spares you the hordes of people or overcrowded beaches.
Watersports in the Dakhla Lagoon
Dakhla is a city located on a long narrow peninsula off the Atlantic Coast of Western Sahara and Morocco. What sets this coastal scene apart from other beach getaways is its dreamy flat-water lagoon. The lagoon is surrounded by desert sand and waves that make Dakhla a water sport holy-grail. With over three hundred windy days a year, Dakhla is the place for top tier surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Keep your eyes peeled and you may also spot some pink flamingos wading through the lagoon alongside you. With a scene so mythical, who’s surprised?